Moscow City Hall is set to unleash a new wave of demolition on Monday night, as authorities target a second group of “illegal” street kiosks throughout the city.
Some 107 businesses are earmarked for demolition in this phase. It follows on from a similar operation in February 2016, when 100 pavilions, kiosks and small shopping centers disappeared overnight.
City officials also expect to release a third list
of kiosks destined for removal
in less than six months, RIA Novosti reported Friday.
The demolition drive forms part of an ongoing strategy by Moscow city authorities to transform the city. Extensive work on reforming Moscow's boulevard and garden ring roads has disrupted business in the capital for much of the summer. More projects are in the pipeline, most notably a plan to reshape the late Soviet-era, skyscraper lined New Arbat street.
A number of kiosk owners have sued the authorities following their business' destruction, claiming that they have all necessary paperwork for their properties.
City authorities have since offered compensation for those who voluntarily dismantle their businesses before bulldozing began.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
